The innovative technology also provides immediate alerts to both the driver and fleet managers, to encourage real-time proactive interventions.

Geoff believes that AI-powered camera solutions will significantly reduce the number of avoidable, often tragic incidents on UK roads each year, caused by fatigue, preventing the devastation and loss they leave in their wake.

Research suggests that getting behind the wheel while fatigued can be just as risky as driving while under the influence.

Driving in the dark in itself also poses a distinct set of challenges, as HGV drivers face reduced visibility and a heightened reliance on peripheral awareness when behind the wheel at night.

With fatigue impairing a human’s ability to respond quickly and accurately under low-light conditions, this combination can prove potentially fatal. As winter intensifies, and the days shorten, the risk to both commercial vehicle drivers, pedestrians and general road users will only increase.

Geoff Cross commented: “Our bodies instinctively associate darkness with sleep, making nighttime or early morning driving inherently challenging at the best of times. This is why road accident statistics are actually higher at night than during daytime hours, despite there being less traffic presence

“Unfortunately, four in ten tiredness-related crashes involve someone driving a commercial vehicle. So, for HGV drivers, who work long, intensive hours often through the night, the risk of them being involved in fatigue-related incidents is considerably higher than your average motorist.

“Driving an HGV is a challenging job and due to the pressure of meeting stringent delivery times, it’s all too easy to push through when fatigue strikes rather than taking necessary breaks, beyond what’s mandatory. Which is why its fundamental operators ensure that not only are drivers are aware of the signs and risks of fatigue, but that they are equipped with the right tools and support needed to combat it effectively. Training alone just isn’t enough to stop these incidents from occurring unfortunately.”

According to experts, a driver’s reaction time, awareness of hazards and ability to sustain attention for elongated periods is severely hindered when fatigued. With HGV drivers often finding themselves on the road for up to 4 and a half hours at a time, the risks associated with fatigue are intensified.

While police statistics highlight that fatigue contributes to about 4 percent of fatal road crashes and 2 percent of all collisions in Britain, true figures are believed to be much higher, with estimates suggesting that between 10-20 percent of all crashes on UK roads are caused by driver fatigue.

To mitigate these alarming statistics this winter, Centrad’s Geoff Cross has urged hauliers to adopt preventive measures to protect their drivers over the coming months, believing it essential for the industry as a whole to utilise technology such as AI-powered driver welfare cameras, which can detect signs of drowsiness and alert drivers in real-time.

Geoff also said: “AI gives hauliers the opportunity to prevent issues before they arise, rather than merely reacting to them after the fact before it’s too late.

“As such, the potential of AI is staggering, and we’ve only just scratched the surface of finding out its true capabilities. From a driver welfare and road safety standpoint however, the benefits are there to be seen.

“As winter arrives and nights grow longer, the challenges of long-haul driving become even more pronounced. With peak season approaching, stress levels rise, and workloads increase, making it essential to implement impactful measures, such as AI-powered camera technology, to provide drivers with complete confidence while they’re on the road.”